In the thirties, this airplane
was the first strategic bomber in the history of aviation.
It was also utilized for other diversified missions : sometimes equipped with
gliding torpedoes,
sometimes transporting paratroopers, sometimes performing polar expeditions, or
transporting
tanks. But, its most original utilization was that of an aircraft carrier, under
the name "Samolyot Zveno".
The TB-3 could carry 1000 kg of bombs 2200 km at a cruising speed of 180-200
km/h and it was soon
realised that an aircraft of this type with this performance would be an easy
prey for modern fighters.
The TB-3 4M-17 remained active military service until 1939, but was gradually
transferred to Aeroflot.
The TB-3s also served as military transports.Initially this was a secondary
role, but during the later part
of the type s operational career it became tHE primary duty.